My first real estate venture was in Tribeca. In 1995 it was desolate, sparse and mysterious. Street traffic was minimal, pedestrians were seldom seen. This was when Tribeca remained a hidden gem. Only a smattering of retail shops and restaurants reserved for those hip New Yorkers who were creating a scene, while being seen.
Fast forward: 27 years later:
I had dinner in Tribeca last week, and was left shell-struck. Not in a good way but saddened by the lack of character the loss of identity but mainly the infiltration of high-end apartment buildings (not lofts) with designated doormen keeping those former hip New Yorkers safe from the wanna-be’s.
What’s happening to the city?
What’s happened to Tribeca?
It’s as if the real estate gods cast a spell on the triangle below canal street, and turned it into an urban Hampton. Not that I don’t enjoy the Hamptons but it belongs at the eastern tip of Long Island and not emanating its presence on city streets. It appears the excessive wealth of the wolves of wall street have replaced the ‘originals’ aka artists in residence.
The days of DeNiro hanging at the Tribeca Grill, seem distant. Mingling at the Odeon bar with Harrison Ford, and dancing to Thelma Houston at Area, are memories long gone. The lure of old New York, lined with cast iron buildings housing artists; cobble stone streets, dangerous for stilettos / those making quick exits, have become replaced by serene and surreal landscapes of high rise erections in the sky.In the golden days of Gotham City, I vividly recall the flash of lightening, the burst of electricity at the roof top parties hosted by some of my favorite humans /developers.
In the mid 90’s I represented both Aldo Andreoli and Roberto Brambilla. The memory of these soirees still linger, like a song being played that sears your heart and brings you back in time. In retrospect – those were the days.
What’s happening to the city?
What’s happened to Tribeca ?
Photo by Field Condition, New York NY